Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI)

Jr. RBI

In 2009, Major League Baseball launched the Jr. RBI playing divisions of the RBI program to provide opportunities for young people ages 5 to 12 in underserved communities to play baseball and softball.

The Marlins Jr. RBI program's inaugural season took place in 2010 replacing the Mini Marlins league that had been in place from 2003 and provided kids ages 6-12 the opportunity to play baseball through the City of Miami Parks and Recreation. Jr. RBI serves as a feeder program to the RBI league and provides an avenue for kids to begin playing baseball and softball at a younger age. Over 400 kids participate annually in partnership with Miami Dade County Parks & Recreation as well as City of Miami Parks & Recreation programs.

Marlins Youth Baseball Clinic Series

The Youth Baseball Clinic Series allowed Marlins coaches and players the opportunity to pass along their baseball knowledge to kids. In order to give children the experience of learning baseball from professionals, the Marlins conduct clinics on select Saturday mornings throughout the year. Marlins players and coaches teach the fundamentals of pitching, hitting and fielding.

UMPS Care

The Marlins partner with Major League Baseball umpires to offer memorable baseball game experiences for children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs. Children receive a VIP experience including great seats to see the Marlins at Marlins Park, a goody bag of 'all things baseball', and the unique opportunity to step onto the field for a souvenir baseball and photo. UMPS CARE Charities, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by Major League Baseball umpires, created the BLUE Crew Tickets program to share the gift of baseball with children and strengthen relationships between children and the adults who aim to make a difference in their lives. More than 4,000 guests have participated in BLUE Crew Tickets since 2006. Learn more at www.UmpsCare.com.

Buses For Baseball

Through Buses for Baseball, local inner-city youth groups are treated to a day at the ballpark. The program is a cooperative effort among the Players Trust for Children, the Marlins, and the local transit authority -- the Players Trust for Children arranges the day, the Marlins supply the tickets and refreshments, and the transit authority supplies the bus. As the kids arrive at the stadium, they are welcomed by Marlins players for an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Youth Baseball & Softball Partnership Program

The Marlins are reaching out to youth baseball and softball leagues throughout South Florida, inviting them to join the Youth Baseball and Softball Partnership Program. There are numerous benefits to being a part of the Youth Baseball and Softball Partnership Program, including access to deeply discounted tickets, parades for league participants and exclusive league recognition during games at Marlins Park. For more information email jgarciga@marlins.com

Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Drive

Marlins fans, here is your chance to help make a difference in the South Florida Community! Marlins Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria is encouraging Marlins fans to donate new and used baseball equipment to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Youth Equipment Drive. All of the equipment collected will be distributed to kids who cannot afford to purchase their own baseball equipment throughout South Florida. Collection will take place July 20th, 2014 outside Marlins Park

Herald Spotlight

In an effort to recognize deserving youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship on the diamond, the Marlins have partnered with The Miami Herald to co-sponsor the Team Player spotlight on Sunday's Youth Sports pages in the Neighbors section.

Youth league coaches, team representatives, teachers, friends or family members can nominate any youth league (recreation or travel), middle school or junior varsity baseball/softball player who displays sportsmanship and has good grades or academic gains. Honored players - selected by random drawing - will receive a certificate of achievement and a Marlins item and will be invited to a Marlins game to be recognized on the field.